Techbond Group Berhad, a leader in industrial adhesives and sealants, has announced a net profit of RM4.8m for the first quarter of FY26, ending 30 September 2025. The company’s revenue reached RM32.9m, a slight decrease from RM36.4m in the same period last year, attributed to strategic product portfolio optimisation.

The company’s profit before tax saw a significant increase of 94% year-on-year, rising to RM5.7m from RM3m in Q1 FY25. This growth was largely due to improved product mix and portfolio optimisation efforts. Additionally, Techbond recorded an unrealised foreign exchange gain of RM0.1m, contrasting with a loss of RM2.1m in the previous year.

Techbond’s CEO, Lee Seh Meng, highlighted the challenges posed by global macroeconomic conditions, including the impact of US reciprocal tariffs on supply chains and investor sentiment. However, he noted that recent US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts could stimulate business investment and consumer demand.

In Malaysia, the reciprocal tariff rate is set at 19%, aligning with other ASEAN manufacturing nations. Despite these challenges, Techbond remains focused on expanding its export market, particularly in Vietnam, where it has secured new customers in newly penetrated regions.

The company declared a first interim dividend of 0.75 sen per share and maintains a strong financial position with a net cash per share of 15.6 sen as of 30 September 2025. Looking ahead, Techbond is optimistic about its growth prospects and continues to engage with potential customers in its upstream polymerisation segment.

Vantage Data Centres has finalised a $1.6b equity investment in its Asia-Pacific (APAC) platform, led by GIC and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). This investment facilitated the acquisition of Yondr Group’s 300MW hyperscale data centre campus in Johor, Malaysia, announced on 24 November 2025. The acquisition enhances Vantage’s regional footprint, bringing its operational and planned IT capacity to 1GW across Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

The Johor campus, known as JHB1, spans nearly 73 acres and will provide over 300MW of IT capacity across three data centres once fully developed. Located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, JHB1 offers strategic connectivity with dark fibre routes and access to regional hubs. Originally financed through a green loan, the campus incorporates sustainability-focused technologies, including direct-to-chip liquid cooling, and aims to meet EDGE certification standards.

Jeremy Deutsch, president of Vantage Data Centres APAC, stated, “Finalising the acquisition of this campus in Johor marks an important step in our growth strategy for APAC. We are bringing one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most advanced hyperscale campuses into our platform.”

The expansion is part of Vantage’s broader strategy to serve AI and cloud customers with sustainable and scalable infrastructure. The integration of more than 30 Yondr APAC team members into Vantage is expected to bolster the company’s capabilities in key markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.

MEASAT Global Berhad, in collaboration with Apadilangit Space Academy, has launched the Malaysia Space Dream initiative, aiming to inspire young Malaysians to pursue careers in space science and technology. The initiative kicked off on 22 November at MEASAT’s Teleport and Broadcast Centre in Cyberjaya, where 50 students aged 13 to 18 participated in the Postcard to Space activity. These students created AI-generated postcards expressing their space dreams, which will be sent to the edge of space via Blue Origin’s Club for the Future and returned as keepsakes.

The Malaysia Space Dream initiative, organised by Apadilangit Space Academy, is a multiphase programme that includes the Earth & Space Online Hackathon and National Space Camp. It seeks to align with Malaysia’s National Space Policy 2030 by nurturing a future workforce in the space sector. Participants in the Postcard to Space activity will also engage in interactive demonstrations and guided tours of MEASAT’s facilities, gaining insights into satellite technology and spacetech careers.

Yau Chyong Lim, Chief Operating Officer of MEASAT, expressed the company’s commitment to developing a robust talent pipeline for the spacetech sector, stating, “It is inspiring and beneficial for young Malaysians to have a tangible space experience through Postcard to Space.” Hafez Murtza, CEO of Apadilangit Space Academy, added, “We want to give young Malaysians a tangible connection to space exploration.”

The initiative aims to collect at least 5,000 postcards nationwide and engage students in solving real-world challenges through the hackathon phase. Supported by various Malaysian organisations, the programme is set to contribute significantly to the country’s space ecosystem.

TransNusa has inaugurated its Jakarta-Penang route, marking a significant step in its regional expansion strategy. The airline, in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia and Penang International Airport (PIA), launched the service within six months, aiming to enhance international connectivity and meet rising travel demand between Indonesia and Malaysia. Initially, flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with daily services commencing from 1 December.

The new route is part of TransNusa’s vision to expand access to major regional hubs. PIA, Malaysia’s second-busiest airport, offers connections to over 20 destinations, making it a strategic addition to TransNusa’s network. “This route was realised through close collaboration with Tourism Malaysia and PIA,” said TransNusa Group CEO Bernard Francis, highlighting the strong cross-border support.

Penang becomes TransNusa’s third active route connecting Indonesia and Malaysia, following Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur. The airline is working with Tourism Malaysia to boost bilateral travel ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, through promotional activities and trade engagements.

Flight 8B 633 departs Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 5:30 am, arriving in Penang at 9:00 am. The return flight, 8B 632, leaves Penang at 9:30 am, landing in Jakarta at 10:55 am. Fares start from IDR1,199,000 (US$75). TransNusa offers premium services with competitive pricing, including product bundles like SEAT, SEATPLUS, and FLEXIPRO, which provide additional benefits such as increased baggage allowance and flexible scheduling options.

TransNusa, led by Bernard Francis, has rapidly expanded since its inception three years ago, establishing itself as a Premium Service Carrier with innovative routes across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Wawasan Dengkil Holdings Berhad has announced a significant move into renewable energy through a joint venture to develop a 70 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant in Kedah, Malaysia. The project, under the LSS Petra 5+ programme, involves Wawasan Dengkil’s subsidiary, Wawasan Dengkil Sdn Bhd, partnering with Nestcon Infra Sdn Bhd and WD Solar Kedah Sdn Bhd.

The joint venture, facilitated by the incorporation of WD Solar Kedah, will see Wawasan Dengkil holding a 70% stake, with Nestcon holding the remaining 30%. The project will operate under a 21-year Power Purchase Agreement with Tenaga Nasional Berhad, ensuring a steady revenue stream from renewable electricity sales.

Wawasan Dengkil’s Executive Director, Lim Soon Yik, highlighted the strategic shift from construction to renewable energy investment. “The Proposed Diversification allows us to evolve from a construction-focused contractor into a renewable energy asset investor and operator,” he stated. This move aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, which aims for a 70% renewable energy share by 2050.

The joint venture is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025, pending necessary approvals. The diversification into renewable energy will commence immediately following shareholder approval at the upcoming extraordinary general meeting.

DirectD, a leading multi-brand smartphone retailer in Malaysia, has announced a strategic partnership with JCL Credit Leasing (JCL), a Tokyo-based financial services group, to enhance smartphone accessibility across Malaysia. The collaboration, unveiled on 24 November 2025, seeks to dismantle barriers to device ownership whilst embedding circular-economy principles to minimise e-waste and carbon emissions.

The initiative will provide Malaysians with high-quality, reliable smartphones through various accessible options, including flexible financing for ownership, subscription, or upgrades. This approach is designed to improve productivity in both work and study environments, benefiting individuals from diverse societal segments.

DirectD’s CEO, Amy Tan, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to work with JCL to broaden access to reliable smartphones—an essential tool that powers daily life.” This collaboration is expected to significantly impact the Malaysian market by making smartphones more attainable and promoting sustainable practices.

The partnership also underscores a commitment to advancing circular, low-carbon practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. By focusing on reducing e-waste and lifecycle carbon emissions, DirectD and JCL aim to contribute positively to environmental conservation efforts.

As the partnership progresses, it is anticipated to set a precedent for similar initiatives in the region, potentially influencing other companies to adopt sustainable practices and improve technology accessibility.

Marriott Bonvoy has announced the inclusion of citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang into its portfolio, marking the brand’s debut in the Asia Pacific region, excluding China. This development follows Marriott International’s acquisition of citizenM earlier this year. Located in the bustling Bukit Bintang district, the hotel offers guests a blend of modern design and technology, providing a chic retreat amidst Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant shopping and entertainment scene.

The hotel features 210 smart rooms equipped with XL king-size beds, wall-to-wall windows, and rain showers. Guests can personalise their stay using MoodPad tablets to control room settings such as lighting and temperature. Ramesh Jackson, Regional Vice President for Malaysia and Indonesia at Marriott International, stated, “citizenM is a brand built for modern travellers – those who value great design, intuitive tech, and a sense of place.”

This addition to the Marriott Bonvoy family is expected to enhance the brand’s presence in the region, offering seamless stays and global rewards to its members. The strategic location of citizenM Kuala Lumpur places guests within easy reach of iconic street food, nightlife, and world-class retail, making it an attractive option for both leisure and business travellers. As Marriott Bonvoy continues to expand its footprint, the inclusion of citizenM Kuala Lumpur underscores its commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction.

Healthcare leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the globe will converge in Kuala Lumpur from 25 to 27 November for the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends 2025 conference. The event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, aims to reimagine future health systems under the theme “Innovating for a Healthier, Sustainable Future.”

Organised by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in collaboration with KPJ Healthcare Berhad, the conference will explore sustainable healthcare models and system reforms. It will address challenges such as demographic changes, rising chronic diseases, climate risks, and technological advancements. The programme will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakout sessions focusing on AI-enabled personalised medicine, value-based healthcare, and sustainable system planning.

Notable speakers include Dr Bertalan Mesko, Director of The Medical Futurist Institute; neuroscientist Dr Boris Konrad from Radboud University Medical Centre, the Netherlands; and Professor Dr Koen Kas, a molecular oncology and digital health expert from Belgium. Malaysian leaders such as Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, Director-General of Health, and Professor Dato Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Group CEO of IJN Holdings, will also participate.

The event will feature the MIH Live programme, offering digital streaming and expert interviews, and the MIH Innovation Exhibition, showcasing the latest medical technologies. The conference marks a significant step in Malaysia’s healthcare reform journey, providing a platform for international collaboration and innovation. Registration remains open for delegates, with the final day accessible to the public.

YTL Cement Group has become the first cement and precast producer in Malaysia to obtain Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its ECOCem, ECOConcrete, and precast product ranges. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable construction and its leadership in the industry. EPDs, which are third-party verified documents, provide detailed information on a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle, aiding architects and developers in making informed material choices.

The newly certified products include Castle Cement, which is Singapore Green Label certified, and ECOConcrete Grades 40 and 35, designed to reduce embodied carbon whilst maintaining strength. Eastern Pretech, YTL Cement’s precast arm, has also achieved EPDs for its range of precast concrete products, marking a first for Malaysia.

Rachel Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Cement, stated, “The attainment of EPD certification for our range of ECO products marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable construction.” This achievement builds on YTL Cement’s efforts to decarbonise the construction value chain, including partnerships with CREAM, the research arm of CIDB Malaysia, and initiatives through its Construction Development Laboratory.

Looking forward, YTL Cement plans to continue collaborating with regulators, industry bodies, and research partners to enhance sustainable construction practices, supporting Malaysia’s carbon-neutral ambitions. With a 70-year legacy, YTL Cement remains a key player in nation-building, extending its eco-friendly product range across Southeast Asia.

Farm Price Holdings Berhad, a Johor-based wholesaler and distributor, has reported a notable increase in its revenue contribution from Singapore, surpassing 30% for the nine months ending 30 September 2025. This growth is attributed to the acquisition of assets from Hong Yun Vegetables & Fruits Sdn Bhd, which bolstered the company’s market reach and distribution capabilities.

In the third quarter of FY25, Farm Price’s revenue rose to RM32.9m, marking a 7.4% year-on-year increase. Sales to Singapore surged by 42.9% to RM12.2m, reflecting the company’s expanding export momentum. Despite a dip in net profit to RM1.6m due to higher administrative expenses, the company’s gross profit improved by 24.1% year-on-year, reaching RM8.1m.

For the nine-month period, Farm Price achieved a revenue of RM93.3m, up from RM91.9m in the same period last year. The wholesale segment was the primary revenue driver, contributing 94% of total revenue. Managing Director Lawrence Tiong Lee Chian expressed optimism about the company’s growth trajectory, stating, “We are encouraged by the growing export sales to Singapore, where revenue contribution is past the 30%-mark.”

The company is also on track to complete the expansion of its Centralised Distribution Centre in Senai by the end of 2025. This facility will enhance Farm Price’s capacity for pre-packed and fresh-cut vegetables, catering to the rising demand from Singapore. Additionally, the Sabah distribution centre, operational since February 2025, is performing well with a utilisation rate exceeding 80%.

Farm Price remains financially robust, with a net cash position and positive net operating cash flow of RM10.9m for the nine-month period. The company continues to explore opportunities for geographical expansion and collaborations to improve distribution efficiency.